CVP, Microsoft Devices

Introducing the ultimate Copilot+ PCs – The all-new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop

Pete Kyriacou — Mon, 20 May 2024 18:00:08 +0000

Today, Microsoft and Surface introduced the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever: Copilot+ PCs. The all-new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are the ultimate Copilot+ PCs, delivering incredible performance, all-day battery life and brand-new AI experiences. They showcase the beauty and innovation that happens at the intersection of software and hardware. Surface was created to lead the PC industry with innovation and technology that showcases the best of Microsoft and empowers our customers to achieve more. We've been at the forefront of new PC categories, with thoughtful designs and new features that inspire our customers. And as we dive into the new wave of AI, Surface continues to put our customers first.

Copilot+ PCs

Copilot+ PCs provide a quantum leap in computing, with power, performance and breakthrough AI experiences. Debuting with Snapdragon® X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors, Copilot+ PCs are tuned to deliver optimal processing and response times – and are faster than the latest Macbook Air.ⁱ Performance like this means the apps customers love work great. Microsoft has partnered closely with developers across the globe to optimize their applications for this processor. In addition, the powerful new Prism emulation engine delivers a 2x performance boost compared to Surface Pro 9 with 5G. On the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, powered by Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors, experiences like Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365 and Chrome will feel snappy, quick and responsive. In addition, Copilot+ PCs have the most powerful Neural Processing Units (NPUs) in the PC category today. With over 45 trillion of operations per second (TOPS), these NPUs power new AI experiences – here are three that we love:

	Using Cocreator in Paint, you can use your ink strokes and words to describe the image you want to create making it easier to create, refine and evolve your ideas in near real time. AI is creating alongside you helping you express your ideas.
	With Live Captions, now with live translation, you can turn audio that passes through your PC into a consistent English captions experience in real time on your PC.ⁱⁱⁱ
	Coming soon with Recallⁱⁱ, you can find what you’ve seen on your PC using the clues you remember. You can use natural language to search, or scroll back through time, and get back to what you need to find through text and visual matches. All stored locally, with privacy and controls built-in.

In addition to Microsoft experiences, the power of the NPU extends in our work with developers who are leveraging the NPU for their own AI workloads. Some examples of these new AI experiences include:

Davinci Resolve: Effortlessly apply visual effects to objects and people using NPU-accelerated Magic Mask in DaVinci Resolve Studio.
Cephable: Stay in your flow with faster, more responsive adaptive input controls, like head movement or facial expressions via the new NPU-powered camera pipeline in Cephable.
CapCut: Remove the background from any video clip in a snap using Auto Cutout running on the NPU in CapCut.

We are seeing many developers around the world and across various industries working on exciting new ways to accelerate their applications using the power of the NPU, including: WhatsApp, Luminar Neo, LiquidText, Camo, djay Pro and more.

All-new Surface Pro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg1ZxdBFEYg Over 10 years ago, Surface pioneered the 2-in-1 category. Since then, the tablet that can replace your laptop has advanced the expectations of a productivity device, delivering more power, more battery life and innovation people love. The all-new Surface Pro unlocks a new way to think about a laptop: Combining accelerated performance, all-day battery life and industry-leading AI capabilities in an ultra-flexible design that can replace your tablet, your laptop and can even power your multi-monitor set-up. The all-new Surface Pro, powered by Snapdragon® X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors, delivers incredibly fast speeds, 90% faster than Surface Pro 9. It’s built for the ultimate multitasker, supporting up to three external 4K displays, with two USB 4 ports, and a stunning 13” display with new optional OLED with HDR technology, delivering new levels of peak brightness and immersive colors. Wi-Fi 7 offers the fastest wireless connection^iv available and optional 5G^v keeps you connected to the fastest cellular network, while you’re on the move. The ultra-wide, quad-HD front-facing camera is our best Surface camera ever. AI-powered Windows Studio Effects like Automatic Framing, keep you in focus, even as you move around your space. The 10MP Ultra HD rear-facing autofocus camera supports 4K video so you can capture and edit all on one device. Surface Pro is made with more recycled materials than Surface Pro 9, including 72% recycled content in the enclosure.^vi Surface Pro is serviceable by design with more replaceable components than ever, including the motherboard, battery, cameras and more. The all-new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard unlocks new levels of flexibility. It’s ready to be used attached to your Pro for the ultimate laptop set-up or detached for more flexibility and to support your creative workflows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIDwj0IHjJk It is built with enhanced extra carbon fiber layers for stability and has a larger, customizable haptic touchpad. With integrated pen storage, your Slim Pen is secure, charged and ready to go. Surface Slim Pen gets even better with the new Surface Pro, with all new AI experiences. The ink now flows naturally with Zero Force inking, ultra-precise shading, 4,096 points of pressure sensitivity and a built-in haptic engine for a more natural writing experience. The all-new Surface Pro is the most flexible laptop, reimagined.

All-new Surface Laptop

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z5VbcLnhBQ When we first launched Surface Laptop, it redefined the classic PC category, pushing boundaries and elevating the user experience to new heights. We introduced premium materials, a vibrant array of colors, ultra-productive 3:2 aspect ratio touchscreens, and a fit and finish like nothing else. We delivered power and performance, and the best typing experience on the market to this day, in a light, sleek design. Beyond elegant design, the Surface Laptop showcased an incredible balance of premium features that delivered the best of Microsoft on a Surface device. This holistic approach revolutionized the industry, setting new standards for excellence and heralding a new era of innovation in laptop design. The all-new Surface Laptop maintains these principles – purpose built to unlock a new AI era with Copilot experiences that transform the PC experience. Redesigned from the inside out, this new Laptop has modern lines and a stunning PixelSense touchscreen display with razor-thin bezels. With 120Hz refresh rate, HDR technology, Dolby Vision IQ™^vii and Adaptive color technology, this display delivers crisper whites, darker blacks and an extended color spectrum. There are two screen sizes, as our new 13.8” display provides larger viewing area than a traditional 14” laptop, in a more compact design and a 15” with an even larger working canvas. This ultra-light and stylish Laptop comes in four stunning colors^viii: Platinum, Black, Dune and Sapphire. Surface Laptop unleashes lightning-fast speed and AI accelerated power for the ultimate multitasking. It is 86% faster than Laptop 5, delivering incredible performance. It can power up to three external 4K monitors. The 45 TOPS NPU unlocks new AI experiences and delivers industry-leading performance for seamless productivity with the longest battery life on any Surface – up to 22 hours on the Surface Laptop 15”^ix and up to 20 on the Surface Laptop 13.8”^x. With a large variety of ports and lightning-fast Wi-Fi 7, you will always be connected. The new Surface Laptop has a Full HD Surface Studio Camera that supports AI-powered Windows Studio Effects like Automatic Framing, Portrait Blur, Creative Filters and Voice Focus - so you come across clearly and confidently. AI-enhanced sound with premium Omnisonic® Speakers and Dolby® Atmos®^xi, and Studio Mics amplify your voice and presence. Surface Laptop is known for its comfortable and quiet typing experience and now, every keystroke is perfected. With optimal key travel for accurate and swift typing and a large precision haptic touchpad that is smooth, responsive and customizable for your personal preference. This is the fastest, most intelligent Surface Laptop ever.

Surface product principles

Accessibility, security and sustainability are core components in every product in the Surface lineup. The all-new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop make major strides across all three categories. Surface products are built to empower everyone on the planet to achieve more. When we develop inclusive products, we create a more comfortable and empowering product experience for everyone, without excluding people in the process. Our journey involves continuous learning from the disability community, placing them at the heart of our design process to develop solutions that unlock their full potential. Our accessible offerings are comprehensive, ranging from an ecosystem of adaptive accessories to adaptive features built into the fabric of our hardware and software. With the new Copilot+ PCs from Surface, we continued to prioritize adaptability, resulting in products that are inclusive by design. That’s why we designed the new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard with a bold keyset option,^xii to reduce eye strain and assist people with low vision. We added a customizable, haptic touchpad, the most inclusive touchpad on the market today, to both our Surface Pro keyboard and our Surface Laptop, empowering customers with a wide range of hand movement and dexterity capabilities to easily adjust the touchpad to their preferences, resulting in a more delightful experience for all. These hardware capabilities, alongside new experiences that utilize the power of the NPU, increase your productivity and creativity, allowing you to work, learn and play in the way that is most natural to you. Security and privacy are always top of mind for us, implementing chip-to-cloud security that begins with inherently secure Surface devices. These new Surface PCs are meticulously built to protect your data from day one. Starting with tracing the origin of even the smallest components on the motherboard through building the lines of code ensuring a secure boot. Every Copilot+ PC will be a Secured-Core PC with Microsoft Pluton Security enabled by default and Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in enabled by default. We take our responsibility to keep your data safe seriously. In 2020, Microsoft set a goal to become carbon negative by 2030 - and at Surface, we know we have a responsibility to the planet. With the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop we are introducing our most significant sustainability advancements yet. We have reduced our carbon emissions by an average of 78% per enclosure through several sustainability interventions, including using 100% recycled aluminum alloy, 100% recycled rare-earth metal magnets and 100% carbon free electricity at manufacturing facilities.^xiii We are also committed to reducing plastic waste - with all-new paper-based packaging with more recyclable components - and extending the lifetime of your device with innovative repairability features. This is just the beginning. We will continue delivering sustainability advancements across the device lifecycle as we work towards Microsoft’s 2030 commitments.

Pre-order today

The brand-new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop deliver incredible speeds, all-day battery life and all-new AI experiences, all starting at $999. You can pre-order today and learn more about our new products at Microsoft.com. They’ll be available at key retailers worldwide starting June 18. To learn more about Surface for your organization, visit the Surface for Business blog. Thank you. Editor’s note – June 18, 2024 – Information about the Recall feature was updated. Footnotes: ⁱ Based on Cinebench 2024 Multi-threaded conducted by Microsoft in April 2024 comparing pre-release build of Surface Laptop with Snapdragon X Elite running pre-release Windows 11 26100 and Apple MacBook Air 13" with M3 running macOS 14 Sonoma. ⁱⁱ Recall is coming soon through a post-launch Windows Update. Recall is optimized for select languages (English, Chinese (simplified), French, German, Japanese and Spanish.) Content-based and storage limitations apply. See https://aka.ms/copilotpluspcs. ⁱⁱⁱ Currently supports translation for video and audio subtitles into English from 40+ languages. See https://aka.ms/copilotpluspcs. ^iv 6GHz band not available in all regions. ^v 5G availability options with 5G coming later in 2024. 5G not available in all areas; compatibility and performance depends on carrier network, plan and other factors. See carrier for details and pricing. ^vi Enclosure includes Bucket and Kickstand. 100% recycled aluminum alloy in Bucket and Kickstand. 100% recycled rare earth metals in magnets. Based on validation performed by Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. using Environmental Claim Validation Procedure, UL 2809-2, Second Edition, November 7, 2023.  ^vii Requires Dolby Vision® encoded content and video. ^viii Colors available on selected models only. Available colors, sizes, finishes and processors may vary by store, market and configuration. ^ix Local video playback: Testing conducted by Microsoft in April 2024 using preproduction software and preproduction Surface Laptop Snapdragon® X Elite C12 512GB, 16GB RAM devices. Testing consisted of full battery discharge during video playback of a .mov file through the Windows Media Player application in 1080p at 24 FPS. All settings were default except screen brightness set to 150 nits with Auto-brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Tested with Windows 11. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors. ^x Local video playback: Testing conducted by Microsoft in April 2024 using preproduction software and preproduction Surface Laptop Snapdragon® X Plus C10 256GB, 16GB RAM devices. Testing consisted of full battery discharge during video playback of a .mov file through the Windows Media Player application in 1080p at 24 FPS. All settings were default except screen brightness set to 150 nits with Auto-brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Tested with Windows 11. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors. xi Requires Dolby® Atmos® encoded content/audio. xii Surface Pro Flex Keyboard with bold keyset available only in U.S. English. xiii As compared to a baseline no-interventions scenario modeling the same products without any sustainability interventions in the production phase of the devices.

Introducing Surface Laptop Go 2

Pete Kyriacou — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 13:00:09 +0000

Available for preorder today, Surface Laptop Go 2 offers updated features and specs that light up the diverse set of experiences that have come to define the Windows 11 PC, all for the incredible starting price of $599. When we first introduced Surface Laptop Go in 2020, the world was navigating profound changes in the way each of us connects both to people and experiences. The Windows PC became more essential than ever for work, school, play, and social connection. Through innovative hardware and software experiences, our product makers at Surface created something that exceeded expectations and was delightful to use. Whether we were browsing the web, managing tasks across work, school and life, or relaxing with a favorite TV show, Surface Laptop Go brought the premium PC experience that we expect from Surface to an incredible price point. This has always been the purpose of Surface Laptop Go, and the product is only getting better. Meet Surface Laptop Go 2: https://youtu.be/rZKLdNUJSno Today we’re delighted to announce Surface Laptop Go 2. This product has been meticulously crafted to deliver our Surface signature premium design and features in an ultra-portable format. Jump right into your flow with an effortless lift of the lid, Instant On, and Windows Hello through the fingerprint reader integrated into the power button. You’ll immediately feel at home with the vibrant 3:2, 12.4-inch PixelSense touch display. An improved HD camera and dual Studio Mics mean you'll look and sound your best when making video calls. The first-class Surface typing experience is uncompromised with 30% more key travel than a MacBook Air and complemented by the large precision trackpad. Surface Laptop Go 2 weighs only 2.48 pounds and packs in the power of the Quad-core 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor. With all-day battery life and fast charging – Surface Laptop Go 2 is the perfect companion for class, the office, the coffee shop or wherever life takes you.Device color has also become a defining characteristic of our product design. Between color and materials, we explore unique and premium experiences. From the clean aluminum exterior to the warm and pleasing Alcantara finishings, we’ve focused on creating authentic, sophisticated looks that are expressive in their hues. In addition to Ice Blue, Sandstone and Platinum, we’re excited to offer Surface Laptop Go 2 in a fresh Sage color. Inspired by subtle nature tones, Sage carries green and gray notes with a hint of blue. In the natural light, you’ll notice the soft reflection of the premium aluminum material. This color is calming while also being an edgy addition to the Surface color palette. We hope you’ll love it as much as we do. [caption id="attachment_263295" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Sage[/caption] [caption id="attachment_263293" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Ice Blue[/caption] [caption id="attachment_263296" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Sandstone[/caption] [caption id="attachment_263294" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Platinum[/caption] While fashioning a beautiful product we are also committed to sustainability. In addition to SSD, replaceable components now include the C-Cover (Keyset and Trackpad), AB Cover (Display) and battery¹, and Surflink cable helping to extend the use of your device. Beneath the sleek exterior, Surface Laptop Go 2 is the first Intel-based secured-core PC from Surface. With innovation from chip to cloud, customers at home or work can enjoy new levels of security. Whether deploying for a large-scale enterprise or your home business, Surface Laptop Go 2 offers a lightweight, manageable and functional device for any employee. We invite you to check out our IT Pro Blog to learn how Surface Laptop Go 2 is a great option for commercial customers. These enhancements continue to demonstrate the team’s commitment to detail and to you, blending form and function so that you can showcase your style, explore your interests, or grow your business. We are thrilled to offer Surface Laptop Go 2 at the starting price of $599. Whether you’re seeking the perfect product to take with you on vacation, or a premium device for the upcoming school year, Surface Laptop Go 2 is everything you need in a package that is light, reliable, elegant and more secure. We’ve come to rely on our PCs for the connections that matter most to us, and we expect more from them than ever before. Surface Laptop Go 2 is here to deliver on that expectation at an incredible price for everyone. Visit Microsoft.com or BestBuy.com to preorder today in select markets. Orders will begin shipping on June 7 with the product’s general availability. Commercial customers can visit the Surface for Business page to learn more or contact an authorized reseller. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXZho4XqO1A ¹ Field Replaceable Unit (FRUs) are components replaceable by Microsoft or a Microsoft Authorized Service Provider.

Introducing new Surface products, built for Windows 11

Pete Kyriacou — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 16:00:31 +0000

Windows has always been a platform for the world’s innovation – a place for anyone to create, connect, learn and achieve. As Windows reshaped computing experiences, new hardware products have helped more and more people interact with them. From the first mouse that unlocked point and click productivity to the 2-in-1 that brought touch displays, inking and a variety of modern capabilities, Windows and devices have together redefined what’s possible on a PC. Throughout our history as Surface, we have seen that the most meaningful experiences come from innovation at the intersection of hardware and software. This idea was the catalyst for Surface – to build hardware that would not only be a stage for Windows but push the platform and the ecosystem forward. Each new version of Windows unlocks the next generation of hardware innovation. And for the last decade, Surface has been at the forefront – challenging convention, pioneering new experiences and creating entirely new categories of devices. Today, on the threshold of Windows 11, we are revealing the largest update to the Surface portfolio in its history. With PixelSense displays, new pen technology, premium mics and cameras, powerful silicon and versatile form factors, the new Surface devices are designed to take Windows innovation to the next level. Our new lineup includes:

A fresh take on our powerhouse laptop with the new Surface Laptop Studio
An upgrade to our iconic 2-in-1 family with a redesigned Surface Pro 8, new Surface Go 3 and updates to Surface Pro X
A step forward for dual-screen mobile productivity with Surface Duo 2
Surface Slim Pen 2, taking digital inking to the next level with haptic feedback
A set of new accessories that represent an expanded view of product-making and bring issues of sustainability and inclusivity into focus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUw5yXKS6WQ Surface Laptop Studio Designed in concert with Windows 11, Surface Laptop Studio is the most powerful Surface we’ve ever built. It is the culmination of years of Surface innovation – on hinges, display, silicon and more – and brings the best of the Surface heritage together in one powerhouse device. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOb31Uc4XKM Built as the ideal product for developers, creative pros, designers and gamers, bringing you the power of a desktop, the portability of a laptop and a creative studio all in one. Surface Laptop Studio features a new ultra-durable Dynamic Woven Hinge, allowing it to transition from one mode to another seamlessly.

In Laptop mode, enjoy a first-class typing experience with a full keyboard and Precision Haptic touchpad.
In Stage mode, the 14.4” PixelSense touchscreen display is pulled forward to the perfect angle for gaming, streaming, docking, or presenting to clients. With the keyboard covered, immerse yourself in the display and interact with Surface Slim Pen 2, touch or touchpad.
In Studio mode, make use of the optimal canvas for uninterrupted writing, sketching and other creative pursuits.

In addition, Surface Slim Pen 2 stores neatly underneath the keyboard, where it magnetically attaches and charges for easy access when inspiration strikes¹. People can set their imaginations free when using this versatile laptop, a device for building apps, rendering video and streaming ultra-fast games. With 11th Gen Intel® Core™ H35 processors and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ GPUs, Laptop Studio has the power to get any job done with ease. Surface Laptop Studio starts at $1599.99 and is available for pre-order today in select markets. Surface Pro 8 This update to our iconic 2-in-1 represents the most significant leap forward since Pro 3. Surface Pro 8 is more than twice as fast as Pro 7, with 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, two Thunderbolt 4 ports and built on the Intel® Evo™ platform. All of these performance gains, Windows 11 and up to 16 hours of battery life² make Surface Pro 8 the most powerful 2-in-1 on the market. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke4kXDfsDuE Surface Pro 8 features a vibrant 13” PixelSense touchscreen that is virtually edge to edge. With Dolby® Vision™ and Adaptive Color Technology, enjoy a viewing experience that’s comfortable on the eyes and true to life. This is the most technically advanced display we’ve ever built. Pro 8 is the ideal hybrid device, giving people a dynamic on-the-go tablet and the ultimate work-from-home set-up. The incredible 5MP front-facing camera,10MP-4K rear-facing camera, Dolby® Atmos™ sound, and dual far-field Studio Mics keep you looking and sounding your best. The new Surface Pro Signature Keyboard provides storage and charging capability for the new Surface Slim Pen 2, keeping it nearby and ready whenever inspiration strikes. With a 120Hz display refresh rate, you’ll experience Pen and inking like never before. Surface Pro 8 starts at $1099.99 and is available for pre-order in select markets today. Surface Slim Pen 2 Providing a simple and delightful Pen experience is one way we enable the technology to fade into the background. The intuitive ability to put Pen to screen immerses you in your productive and creative endeavors, boosts retention and offers new levels of versatility. Today we’re excited to take the next big step forward – making our inking and Pen experience even more natural and fluid than before. With zero pressure force and ultra-low latency, Surface Slim Pen 2 gives you even greater control and accuracy. The redesigned sharper tip helps put a finer point on writing, shading and inking. When magnetically attached to the Surface Laptop Studio or stored in the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard, it will charge and be ready to go when needed. Surface Slim Pen 2 leverages new capabilities in Windows 11 and our custom Microsoft G6 processor within Surface Pro 8 and Surface Laptop Studio to provide tactile signals that create the feeling of pen on paper. The built-in haptic motor in Surface Slim Pen 2 activates to allow for a natural feel while notetaking and drawing. It’s a subtle interaction that makes a huge difference. Tactile signals can also provide feedback when you're using natural gestures like circling to select in Microsoft 365 apps and using tools in Adobe Fresco. Surface Slim Pen 2 is available for $129.99 and ready to pre-order today in select markets. Surface Pro X A year ago, we announced the thin, light, and LTE-connected Surface Pro X, running on our Microsoft SQ2 ARM silicon. This product merged the versatility features of Surface Pro with new levels of power efficiency and connectivity. Now with Windows 11 and 64-bit emulation built in, more applications than ever before are at your fingertips. Apps like Microsoft Teams and Office are optimized for ARM, as are other apps like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Our new Wi-Fi-only model means we’re bringing the thin, sleek design with all-day battery life2 to its most affordable entry price point yet, providing versatility and optionality to even more customers. Surface Pro X starts at $899.99 and is available for pre-order today in select markets. Surface Go 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0f8Eo-tIA2o The most portable Surface 2-in-1 is perfect for your everyday tasks, homework and play. Designed to light up the best of Windows 11, Surface Go 3 is 60% faster with an Intel Core i3 processor. This product brings optional LTE Advanced³, all-day battery², built-in Microsoft security, and is optimized for tablet-to-laptop versatility with digital Pen and touch. Starting at just 1.2 pounds and featuring 1080p cameras, best-in-class studio microphones, Dolby Audio, and a 10.5” touch display – Go 3 is the perfect device to connect, collaborate and play from anywhere. Surface Go 3 with WiFi starts at $399.99 and is available for pre-order today in select markets. LTE models will be available in the coming months. Surface products are designed to deliver the Microsoft experiences customers depend on. Every device offers incredible typing, premium materials, correctly placed cameras and a 3:2 aspect ratio for perfectly scaled documents. These new devices and accessories ensure that users can realize the power of Microsoft 365, Teams, Edge, Game Pass and more. With Windows 11, these new Surface devices unlock the benefits and capabilities created through the thoughtful design of hardware and software. Surface Duo 2 Designed to showcase the power of Microsoft 365 in your pocket, Surface Duo brings dual-screen productivity and entertainment with you wherever you go. When Surface Duo launched last year, we pushed the boundaries of what a mobile device could be. With Surface Duo 2, we’re pushing that vision even further while offering the core capabilities people expect from a modern premium smartphone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYF6LaLcq90 Surface Duo 2 is much more than a phone. From the integration with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams, to entertainment scenarios like TikTok, Kindle and gaming, Duo 2 enables countless app pairings and unmatched multitasking capabilities. Use any two Android apps simultaneously and check out new app experiences tuned for dual screen, like Gameloft’s Asphalt 9: Legends. Featuring larger, 8.3" PixelSense Fusion displays, the Snapdragon® 888 5G Mobile Platform, a dynamic triple-lens camera, stereo audio, NFC for contactless payments and an array of new accessories that add special features and extra protection, Duo 2 represents a major upgrade. Available in Glacier or a new Obsidian, Surface Duo 2 starts at $1499.99 and is available for pre-order today in select markets. Evolving our approach to product-making Microsoft has established a long-term commitment to sustainability and adaptability. We remain committed to becoming carbon negative, zero waste and water positive by 2030. To reach this goal as a company, we regularly evaluate every piece of the product and manufacturing processes through the lens of sustainability. Additionally, with more than 1 billion people with disabilities around the globe and our belief that technology should adapt to people, we see an opportunity to extend the benefits of premium computing to those that are often overlooked. Through inclusivity, attention and invention, we are expanding our approach to product-making even further to advance these causes. These products are one piece of the story, and it’s just the beginning. Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_mFSryNlC4 Every step matters on the journey toward greater sustainability. Through a unique collaboration with SABIC, we’ve created a high-quality resin made of 20% recycled ocean plastic recovered or washed ashore from oceans and waterways. The Ocean Plastic Mouse, made from this resin, is an eco-friendly, comfortable accessory that takes small steps to reduce waste while putting a powerful accessory at your fingertips. Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse is available for pre-order in select markets today for $24.99. Learn more Surface Adaptive Kit Created from within our Inclusive Tech Lab, the Surface Adaptive Kit is the result of designing in partnership with people with disabilities. This kit is designed to make devices more accessible without compromising on form or function. Keycap labels, bump labels, port indicators and even device openers make finding, opening and using devices easier than ever. Easier for anyone. The Surface Adaptive Kit will be available later this year. Learn more From creatives and gamers to families and businesses of all sizes, these new Surface products have been designed to give our customers the versatility and power to focus on what matters most, allowing the technology to fade into the background. These Surface devices have a different look and feel by design. We want them to be different, to stand out and serve as a canvas for the creative energies of our customers. We believe that products are a reflection of the people who make them and use them. Our team has been focused on delivering our most substantial portfolio update yet, producing a range of products that truly complement Windows 11 and the full set of experiences that allow people to create and connect with what they love. Our greatest satisfaction here on the Devices team isn’t just building great Surface products – it’s watching what people create with them. Most products are available for pre-order today in select markets, with general availability starting Oct. 5. Surface Adaptive Kit will be available later this year. Visit Microsoft.com to learn more and find the right Surface for you. For a limited time, customers in the US can pre-order Surface Pro 8 or Surface Laptop Studio from Best Buy and receive an Xbox controller and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate⁴. Learn more about Surface for Business at Surface.com/business and connect with a local authorized reseller. For a deeper look at these new products, check out Microsoft Mechanics. 1 Surface Slim Pen 2 sold separately 2 Battery life varies significantly based on usage, network and feature configuration, signal strength, settings and other factors. See aka.ms/SurfaceBatteryPerformance for details 3 Surface Go 3 with LTE Advanced is coming soon. Visit Surface.com for updates on availability in your market. Availability may vary by market and configuration. Service availability and performance subject to service provider’s network. Contact your service provider for details, compatibility, pricing, SIM card and activation. See all specs and frequencies at Surface.com. 4Offer valid while supplies last

Introducing Surface Laptop 4 and new accessories for enhanced meeting experiences

Pete Kyriacou — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 13:00:04 +0000

Microsoft’s hardware legacy stretches back more than four decades to the early days of personal computing. As Windows built and inspired new computing experiences, new Microsoft hardware accessories helped people interact with them. At this intersection of hardware and software, magical experiences are possible. This core belief is at the heart of every product we build at Microsoft, and it’s especially true of our Surface products. For almost a decade, Surface has pioneered breakthrough experiences that immerse people in their creative flow, eliminating friction that often exists between people and technology. Surface allows people to adapt to new ways of working and creating through innovative and versatile devices that offer premium design and performance, quality typing and trackpads, exceptional cameras and mics, and immersive touchscreen display technologies. From the student learning on their Surface Go or Surface Laptop Go, to the knowledge worker on their Surface Pro 7+, to the creative professional working on a Surface Book 3, these products now serve as a lifeline to connections, content and work. It’s inspiring to consider all that can be achieved on a Surface. For years, Surface Laptop has stood apart from the crowd with craftsmanship unlike any other. We’ve spoken about how much we believe the details matter - and that conviction is rewarded when we see Surface Laptop consistently hold the highest customer satisfaction rating in its class.[1] When we explore what customers like most, we hear a unique mix of product capabilities and fine details. For some, it’s all about the satisfying typing experience and Alcantara finishes. For others, it’s the immersive capabilities of touch, video quality, our 3:2 displays and reliable app compatibility. We, too, believe that a device’s performance goes beyond what can be measured in specifications. We hear from customers that Surface Laptop’s performance stands out not only because of what it can do, but also because of how it speaks to the senses and inspires people. We have been hard at work, continuing to innovate while preserving the elements customers love most about this product. We’re pleased to introduce Surface Laptop 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2MyXuHstIs Surface Laptop 4 is, first and foremost, optimized for Microsoft experiences. It retains the iconic design, details and materials that our customers love. With our signature 3:2 PixelSense touchscreen displays in 13.5” or 15” models, customers can choose from Alcantara or metal finishes in a variety of bold colors you can’t get anywhere else, including a new Ice Blue finish. Surface Laptop 4 offers a built-in HD front-facing camera with incredible low-light capability and a studio microphone array, ensuring you’ll come through loud and clear as you connect with loved ones or participate in a crucial virtual work meeting. With the 201 PPI, high-contrast touchscreen display, and Dolby® Atmos™ Omnisonic speakers, you’ll get a cinematic experience that immerses you in your favorite movies and shows from the comfort of anywhere. Whether through the vibrant touchscreen display, large trackpad with gesture support, or its industry-leading typing experience, Surface Laptop can adjust to your preferred workflow. Surface Laptop 4 offers a choice between either the 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, or AMD Ryzen™ Mobile Processors with Radeon™ Graphics Microsoft Surface® Edition (8 cores); in either case, you’ll find a smooth experience that powers modern, multitasking demands. Across both options, we’ve partnered to customize silicon in ways that boost performance while offering improved battery life. On the outside, you see style and sophistication. Effortlessly lift the screen, and this product will draw you into your flow. From the office, living room, coffee shop or classroom, nothing comes close to this product's look and feel. Surface Laptop 4 joins Surface Laptop Go to provide a variety of Laptop options. Choose your perfect color, size and price. Starting at $999.99 USD, Surface Laptop 4 is available to order today in the US, Canada, and Japan, with additional market availability in the coming weeks. Orders will begin shipping April 15. Surface fans in the US who purchase Surface Laptop 4 through microsoft.com or bestbuy.com before April 15 will receive Surface Earbuds as a special gift, on us.[2] 😉 Accessories to optimize your virtual meeting experience With deep roots in PC accessories, we’re proud to offer a breadth of keyboards, mice and other accessories that feel tailored to individual needs – especially as we work, learn and play from home. In recent years, we’ve added audio accessories like Surface Headphones 2 and Surface Earbuds that begin with incredible acoustic quality, comfort and functionality wrapped in Surface's iconic design ethos. Today, as people adapt to a spectrum of unique work environments, we’re responding with a new assortment of audio and video accessories certified for Microsoft Teams and great across all your favorite video conferencing apps. Each of these products offers plug-and-play functionality for seamless setup, great audio or video to make you look and sound your best, LED indicators to know your Teams status, and on-device call controls to keep you in the flow. Additionally, most accessories feature a dedicated Teams button to bring Teams to the front of a crowded screen or quickly join your next meeting.Surface Headphones 2+ for Business: As people continue to work from home and prepare for the hybrid workplace, customers require audio products that reduce unwanted ambient noise, enable clear remote meeting participation, and provide high-fidelity sound for their entertainment. This is why we’re introducing Surface Headphones 2+. This product carries over all of the features loved by existing Surface Headphones customers; 13 levels of active noise cancellation, innovative earcup dials, an advanced 8-microphone system for incredible voice clarity, 18.5 hours of music listening time or up to 15 hours of voice calling time, and the all-day comfort to help you through the day’s virtual meetings. Now certified for Microsoft Teams with the included dongle, Surface Headphones 2+ provides an even more robust meeting experience with on-ear Teams controls and improved remote calling. Surface Headphones 2+ is priced at $299.99 USD.  Business and education customers in select markets can place orders today through microsoft.com or their local authorized reseller.Microsoft Modern USB and Wireless Headsets: Certified for Microsoft Teams, these Microsoft Modern headsets enable greater focus and call privacy, especially in shared workspaces. Effortlessly join a meeting or answer a call with the dedicated Teams button, and always be in control with a physical mute button and LED mute indicator light that confirms your mute status. With these new features, you’re ready when you want to jump into the conversation or when a distraction occurs. Microsoft Modern USB and Wireless Headsets will start shipping in select markets this June. Microsoft Modern USB Headset will be available for $49.99 USD.  Stay tuned for additional pricing and availability information for Microsoft Modern Wireless Headset. Visit microsoft.com to receive updates on retail availability. Business and education customers can contact their local authorized reseller. Microsoft Modern USB-C Speaker: Your workday audio companion, the Microsoft Modern USB-C Speaker will give you high-quality audio for meetings, calls and casual music listening. Designed with the same intuitive controls as our Modern USB Headset and certified for Microsoft Teams, the Modern USB-C Speaker helps you improve and manage your Microsoft Teams meeting experience with a powerful speaker driver, dual microphones and intuitive controls and indicators. Plus, the compact design with integrated cord storage takes up minimal desk space, making it portable enough for wherever you work.  The Microsoft Modern USB-C Speaker will start shipping this June, selling for $99.99 USD. Visit microsoft.com to receive updates on retail availability. Business and education customers can contact their local authorized reseller today. Microsoft Modern Webcam: Studies have shown that meeting participants engage more actively when given the ability to connect visually on camera in the remote workplace. The Microsoft Modern Webcam delivers high-quality, reliable video conferencing to enhance or add to your existing PC setup with an experience certified for Microsoft Teams.  The Modern Webcam easily attaches to your monitor, laptop or tripod to provide exceptional 1080p video, HDR and a 78° field of view optimized for meeting experiences. True Look ensures you look your best with auto white balance, auto light adjustment and facial retouch. And since you may not always want to be on camera, easily open and close the integrated privacy shutter with LED usage indicator and know you’re only sharing video when you want. Microsoft Modern Webcam will start shipping this June, selling for $69.99 USD. Visit microsoft.com to receive updates on retail availability. Business and education customers can contact their local authorized reseller today. Devices built to enable inclusive hybrid work environments As we look to the future, it’s clear that flexible work is here to stay. According to our latest release of the Work Trend Index, over 70% of workers surveyed want flexible remote work options to continue. For hybrid work and learning environments, devices must help people be productive, enabling collaboration with the right balance of power and performance. They need to be versatile to work in different environments and be highly secure. Surface Laptop 4, Surface Headphones, and the new meetings and collaboration accessories from Microsoft show how our portfolio is evolving and innovating to accelerate hybrid work. Customers across industries already love Surface Laptop for its mobility, ease of use, power, performance and enterprise-grade security features. Surface Laptop 4 offers incredible security out-of-the-box with integrated hardware, firmware, software and identity protection. Customers can maintain control of sensitive information with a removable hard drive for data retention[3] and get more security and control with cloud-first device deployment and management, all the way down to the firmware layer. Across the breadth of form-factors and price points available, from our largest Surface Hub, to our pocket-sized Surface Duo, we remain committed to delivering innovative devices that keep people productive. To this end, we’re pleased to share that Surface Duo is now available for business and education customers in additional European countries.[4] Visit microsoft.com or contact your local authorized reseller to place your order. Across the Surface family of products and Microsoft accessories, there are bold and diverse product options available - from best-in-class 2-in-1s to best-in-class laptops. Select the unique combination of products suited to your work, interests and environments. Every detail of these products was inspired by the possibilities you could create with them. We hope you experience, across all your passions, the same inspiration and focus that went into making these products.[1] Online survey of laptop users age 18-64 in China and US conducted by Ipsos; commissioned by Microsoft between April-October 2020; statistically significant at 90% confidence level. [2] See bestbuy.com or microsoft.com for offer details.
[3] This device does not contain user serviceable parts. Hard drive is only removable by an authorized technician following Microsoft-provided instructions.
[4] Surface Duo availability expanding to commercial markets in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland.

The year ahead for Surface Duo

Pete Kyriacou — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 16:00:07 +0000

Microsoft’s mission to help every person and organization on the planet achieve more has never been more relevant as people search for new ways to be productive from anywhere. To this end, the Surface team has worked tirelessly to build a diverse set of devices to suit a variety of tasks and workstyles. Just this year, we’ve introduced Surface Book 3, Surface Go 2, Surface Laptop Go, a new Surface Pro X and of course, our first dual-screen device, Surface Duo. Since introducing Surface Duo in August 2020, people have asked when we would make this product available outside of the US. We’re pleased to share that in early 2021, we’ll be offering Surface Duo in Canada, United Kingdom, France and Germany. We’re excited to share more information at the beginning of 2021, so stay tuned for more. [caption id="attachment_263079" align="alignnone" width="1024"] New enhancements to Microsoft Teams coming in the first half of 2021.[/caption] With Surface Duo, we set out to unlock new levels of mobile productivity and reduce the need to reach for a larger screen to complete quick productivity tasks. With enhanced Microsoft 365 apps, productivity can take place across two distinct screens, enabling true multi-tasking. Whether viewing your Outlook Mail and Calendar side-by-side or seeing your colleagues and the presentation simultaneously on Teams, the magic of Surface Duo is the intersection of hardware and software in the palm of your hand. [caption id="attachment_263078" align="alignnone" width="400"] From TIME. ©2020 TIME USA LLC. All rights reserved. Used under license.[/caption] There is incredible potential in this new device category to push the boundaries of productivity and creativity on a mobile device. We find inspiration in all the ways Surface Duo has sparked the imaginations of our customers and partners. It’s fantastic to see just how this product has unlocked new ways to get things done, and we are honored to see TIME and others recognize Surface Duo as one of the best inventions of 2020. Customers have built productivity workflows with Microsoft 365 applications like Outlook, OneDrive, Teams and Office. We’ve also heard from customers who have built their own App Groups to immerse themselves in their passions. View your ESPN Fantasy sports teams while simultaneously tracking scores in the NFL app, or take that Duolingo course while jotting down common phrases in Microsoft OneNote. We’ve heard from customers who open their Surface Duo as soon as they get in their car, with Spotify playing on one screen while Google Maps guides them to their destination on the other. There are numerous possibilities for personalizing your Surface Duo experience. We encourage you to explore these scenarios or create your own. [caption id="attachment_263073" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Enhanced TikTok app available now in the Google Play store.[/caption] Customers love what Surface Duo allows them to accomplish with existing applications, and our partners are doing amazing work to optimize their experiences across two screens. At launch, we showcased Amazon Kindle and the incredible work they’ve done to allow you to read a book like a book on Surface Duo. Spotify has embraced dual-screen capabilities to improve music discovery. We’re excited to share that TikTok has released an enhanced app that brings entirely new experiences that light up on Surface Duo. Optimized for two screens, you can discover videos customized for you while, at the same time, exploring relevant hashtags, the latest trends and more. New enhanced app experiences are just one way in which Surface Duo keeps getting better and better. Over these past few months, we’ve delivered app enhancements, software and Android security updates, and improvements to the Android platform at-large. Microsoft is the third-largest Android ISV in the world[1], and we’re proud of what we’ve been able to deliver since August. Customers have enjoyed hundreds of improvements to our first-party Android apps, benefiting anyone using Microsoft applications on Android. This ensures a healthy future for this dual-screen category and a stream of improved, delightful experiences for Surface Duo customers. We love hearing from you and working with you to chart the course for Surface Duo. As we reflect on this past year and look ahead to the next, we see even more opportunity, and we’re excited to see how you bring your own experiences to life with Surface Duo. On behalf of the entire Surface team, we wish you happy holidays and a happy, healthy new year.

Sign up to be notified when Surface Duo becomes available: Canada | United Kingdom | France | Germany. To learn more about Surface Duo for Business, commercial customers can connect with their local Microsoft Authorized Commercial Reseller. Be sure to check out Surface.com for the latest from across the Surface family of products.

[1] Based on App Annie data (apps under 1 company) from December 2020. https://www.appannie.com.

Introducing Surface Laptop Go, new updates to Surface Pro X and new accessories

Pete Kyriacou — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 13:00:17 +0000

Available for preorder today, Surface Laptop Go extends the Surface lineup by delivering standout design at a more affordable price. The idea of working and learning from home, which at one point felt temporary, has for many of us started to feel more permanent. Even as some people in cities around the world return to work and schools in person, many others have found themselves reorganizing homes to create makeshift offices and classrooms. Whether your commute is across the house or across town, the PC continues to play an integral role in keeping all of us connected to our work, school, and lives – and each person in the household needs one. As we continue to expand our Surface family of devices with the new Surface Laptop Go and updates to Surface Pro X, our goal is to design a Surface for every person, work style and location. To give every person in your household or organization a laptop that’s not just something you need to use, but something you want to use. A virtual office you want to be in, a virtual classroom that engages you to learn, a place you can play your favorite game or watch a movie – with a bright vibrant screen, a fluid and comfortable keyboard, high quality cameras and mics, and the versatility of touch screens. With Surface Laptop Go we are bringing the features most loved by our Surface Laptop customers to a smaller, more affordable design. For people who need to stay connected and want the versatility of a 2:1 with a gorgeous, edge-to-edge screen, we’re also bringing new updates to Surface Pro X including new app experiences, enhanced performance and a new Platinum finish. And for anyone looking to refresh their home office or home classroom setup we’re offering several new Surface and Microsoft accessories. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp4Acofumyg Meet Surface Laptop Go Starting at $549.99, Surface Laptop Go delivers the perfect balance of style, performance and battery life in the lightest, most affordable Surface laptop yet. It has a beautiful 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen display, large precision trackpad and a full-size keyboard with 1.3mm key travel for an accurate and comfortable typing experience. The sleek, streamlined design comes in three durable and lightweight metal finishes: Ice Blue, Sandstone and Platinum. For a quick and secure sign-in, select models of Surface Laptop Go have a Fingerprint Power Button with One Touch sign-in through Windows Hello. One Touch sign-in also provides fast, secured access to OneDrive Personal Vault files and more so you can jump in quickly and be productive. Surface Laptop Go is powered by Intel’s 10th Gen i5 Quad-Core processor with up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage and every configuration is optimized for performance and battery life. All configurations of Surface Laptop Go feel snappy and fast, even at the entry level, taking full advantage of cloud connected experiences like Microsoft 365 and online storage. With up to 13 hours of battery life[1] plus Fast Charging, it will keep up with you all day. Whether you’re learning or working, chances are you’re using your camera, speakers and mics more now than ever before. Surface Laptop Go has a built-in 720p HD camera and Studio Mics so your colleagues and classmates can see and hear you clearly. Omnisonic Speakers and Dolby Audio surround you with amazing sound – whether on a video call, watching a movie, listening to music and more. To help you connect, there are both USB A and USB C ports, an audio jack and the Surface connector. For families, students and businesses looking for a new device to add to their households or organizations, Surface Laptop Go offers a premium Surface look and feel at an amazing value. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QobdWOa02o Meet Surface Pro X We introduced Surface Pro X last October to push the boundaries for what an always connected, ultra-light and incredibly thin 2:1 device could be. It’s built for people who are ready for what’s next – who need to be connected, productive and creative at any time. We partnered closely with Qualcomm to design custom silicon to create a powerful PC that benefits from generations of innovations in mobile architectures. Today, Surface Pro X is getting even better, with a new configuration that includes our next-generation custom processor and a new Platinum finish, along with new app experiences, resulting in longer battery life and increased performance across all Surface Pro X devices. For our customers who need more power, we’ve refreshed our top end SKUs by adding the new Microsoft SQ 2 processor – the fastest processor in its class[2] – and a new Platinum finish. The new configurations start at $1499.99. We’re also introducing three new colors for the Signature Keyboard: Platinum, Ice Blue and Poppy Red, all with the same built-in storage and wireless charging for the Surface Slim Pen. Surface Pro X brings you the best of today’s web-first experiences like Microsoft 365, Microsoft Edge, Netflix, Spotify and more, while supporting thousands of the existing Windows apps you know and love today like Google Chrome, Firefox and Whatsapp. We are also excited about the momentum we are seeing from key app partners embracing Windows 10 on ARM, taking advantage of the power and performance benefits of Microsoft SQ 1 and SQ 2 processors to bring new experiences to all Surface Pro X customers. We’ve made Microsoft Edge faster and announced a new version of Microsoft Teams optimized for Windows on ARM. We will also expand support for running x64 apps with x64 emulation, starting to roll out to Windows Insiders later this year. For developers, Visual Studio code has been updated to run natively. For organizations, we’re committed to help you ensure your apps work with Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 Apps on ARM64 devices with App Assure with Fast Track. All of this adds up to overall faster performance and longer battery life. Surface Pro X now gets up to 15 hours of battery life across both configurations. Surface Pro X is the thinnest and most connected 2:1 we’ve ever shipped and we’re excited to deliver these new experiences at a time when connectivity has never been more top of mind. Access to fast, reliable bandwidth to support remote learning and working for multiple people in a household has become challenging for many. With ultra-fast Gigabit LTE connectivity, Surface Pro X users always have a direct connection on demand – even if their kids are on Xbox or their roommate is on a video call. New Surface and Microsoft accessories If your at-home setup is in need of a refresh this holiday, Microsoft has a few new accessories to outfit your new work or school spaces.

Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard is a slim, narrow and elegant keyboard optimized for modern productivity with Bluetooth seamlessly switching between three devices, 2-year battery life and two colors options, and is priced at $69.99.
Microsoft Number Pad is a slim, modern and elegant number pad with Bluetooth wireless that enables you to get the most out of your Surface or modern PC, priced at $29.99.
Microsoft 4K Wireless Display Adapter offers the easiest way to project your Windows PC on the big screen, supporting 4K resolution and is priced at $69.99.
Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse brings comfortable ergonomic design to premium wireless performance with a soft thumb rest, a light and durable design, and two customizable buttons. Available in several colors and priced at $49.99.
Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse, now available in Sandstone, is lightweight and portable to perfectly complement Surface Laptop Go.

The new Surface Laptop Go and new Surface Pro X configurations are available for pre-order today in select markets at the Microsoft Store on microsoft.com and other major retailers and will be available for purchase starting Oct. 13. We continue to expand our lineup of Surface devices and accessories to make it easier to find the Surface that’s right for you. To better address the global demand we are seeing for Surface, we are excited to share that we are bringing Surface to consumers in 11 new European markets: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia. Organizations including commercial, education and government/private sector can learn more about Surface Laptop Go for Business, Surface Pro X for Business and Surface Accessories for Business by connecting with their local commercial reseller. Editor's note: This post was updated post publication to correct pricing on products and clarify x64 emulation roll out. [1] Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction Surface Laptop Go Intel Core i5, 128GB, 8 GB RAM Microsoft Surface Edition devices. Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing eight popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors. [2] Comparison to existing ARM based PCs as of Aug. 31, 2020.